Confetti Corn Couscous Salad
Perfect for Spring and Summer Parties!
Are you looking for a colorful and refreshing dish to serve at your next party? This Confetti Corn Couscous Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make side dish that is sure to impress your guests. It’s a fun twist on the classic corn salad, with added textures from couscous, beans, and a mix of fresh vegetables. The homemade dressing ties it all together, creating a flavor-packed salad that pairs perfectly with any summer meal.
Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering, a summer BBQ, or a casual get-together, this dish is quick to prepare and will be a hit at the table. The best part? It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Couscous (quick cook) | 16 oz |
| Israeli couscous (optional) | 3 cups |
| Frozen corn | 2 cups |
| Black beans (canned, drained) | 8 oz |
| Red onions (finely chopped) | 3/4 cup |
| Green peppers (diced) | 3/4 cup |
| Orange bell peppers (diced) | 3/4 cup |
| Zucchini (diced) | 3/4 cup |
| Kalamata olives (sliced) | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| White wine vinegar | 2 1/2 tbsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh thyme (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh marjoram (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 227.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 44.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27.2 g |
| Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugar | 0.7 g |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
Preparation Instructions:
-
Prepare the couscous:
- If using quick-cook couscous, boil water, add the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir to fluff.
- For Israeli couscous, steam or boil for about 13 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
-
Prepare the vegetables and beans:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous with the frozen corn, black beans, red onions, green peppers, orange bell peppers, zucchini, and Kalamata olives.
-
Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, cumin, and fresh herbs (basil, thyme, and marjoram).
-
Toss the salad:
- Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss everything together until well-coated.
-
Chill the salad:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. The salad can be prepared up to a day in advance.
-
Serve:
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. This salad is perfect for large gatherings or as a side dish for any meal.
Tips for the Best Confetti Corn Couscous Salad:
- Customization: Feel free to switch up the veggies in this salad based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Try adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even a handful of feta cheese (if you want to add some dairy).
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is already plant-based and perfect for any vegan or vegetarian guests at your party.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better after it has marinated in the fridge for a few hours, so you can easily make it a day before your event.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone dish at a summer picnic.
With its burst of colors and delightful flavors, this Confetti Corn Couscous Salad will not only add beauty to your table but will also bring everyone back for seconds. Itβs a fantastic choice for any party or gathering, and its fresh ingredients will bring a smile to your guestsβ faces. Enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing salad and make your next gathering one to remember!
